Woods' first interviews: 'I'm a little nervous' about reception

text size

In his first interviews since announcing his return to the PGA TOUR at next month's Masters, Tiger Woods said he is nervous about how he'll be received by golf fans and that his playing schedule could be impacted by his in-patient therapy sessions.

Woods also said he alone was responsible for the scandal that caused his downfall and that no one in his inner circle was aware of his misdeeds.

"It was all me. I'm the one who did it. I'm the one who acted the way I acted. No one knew what was going on when it was going on," Woods told Golf Channel. "I'm sure if more people would have known in my inner circle, they would have stopped it or tried to put a stop to it. But I kept it all to myself."

Woods held five-minute interviews with Golf Channel and ESPN, with both networks airing those interviews Sunday night. It was the first time Woods has answered questions on camera since his early morning car crash last November and the ensuing scandal that cost him sponsors and fans.

The world's top-ranked golfer also said that he understands the impact his infidelity has made on public perception about him, and that he takes full responsibility for his actions.

"It was hurtful, but then again you know what, I did it," Woods told Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman when she asked him about the public ridicule. "I'm the one who did those things and looking back on it now with a more clear head, I get it. I can understand why people will say these things because you know what, it was disgusting behavior. As a person, it's hard to believe that was me."

Woods said he was looking forward to returning to golf, but told ESPN's Tom Rinaldi, "I'm a little nervous about that to be honest with you." Woods later added, "It would be nice to hear a couple claps here and there."

Woods did not announce what tournaments he plans to play following the Masters but did tell Tilghman, "I will have more treatment, more therapy sessions. As far as my schedule going forward, I don't know what I'm going to do. ... That to me is a little bit bothersome, too, in a sense that I don't like not knowing what to do, but what I know I have to do is become a better person and that begins with going to more treatment."

During part of the interview with ESPN, the line of questioning focused on Tiger's low points.

Rinaldi: In the last four months, Tiger, what's been the low point?

Complete coverage

For PGATOUR.COM's coverage of Tiger Woods' return to competitive golf, please visit our archive page. Click here • Excerpts from the interviews • Full Golf Channel interview

Woods: I've had a lot of low points. Just when I didn't think it could get any lower, it got lower.

Rinaldi: An example?

Woods: When I was in treatment, out of treatment, before I went in, there were so many different low points. People I had to talk and face like my wife, like my mom.

Rinaldi: What was that moment like, either one?

Woods: They both have been brutal. They've both been very tough. Because I hurt them the most. Those are the two people in my life who I'm closest to and to say the things that I've done, truthfully to them, is ... honestly ... was ... very painful.

During the interview with Golf Channel, Woods was asked about his late father, Earl.

Tilghman: If your father were here today and looked back on these last four months, what would he say to you?

Woods: He'd be very disappointed in me. We'd have numerous long talks. That's one of the things I miss, I miss his guidance, wish I could have had his guidance through all this to have him help straighten me up. I know he would've done it.

Tilghman: What do you think he would say?

Woods: Can't say it on air but he would've been very direct. Basically said, you need to get your life headed in the right direction again.

Later, Tilghman asked him, "Based on all that has transpired, what do you want your legacy to be when all is said and done?"

Woods: Just like I wanted before. I felt that golf was a vehicle for me to help a lot of people. My dad had always said something that I never really quite understood until these times. In order to help other people, you first have to learn how to help yourself. Going into a treatment center for 45 days, I learned a lot. I learned how to help myself and that's the way I can help others down the road.

A number of news outlets had submitted requests to the Woods camp for interviews. Both ESPN and Golf Channel were notified late last week that Woods would agree to a five-minute interview Sunday afternoon with no restrictions on questions. CBS, which televises the Masters, was also offered an interview but turned it down.

"Depending on the specifics, we are interested in an extended interview without any restrictions on CBS," spokeswoman LeslieAnne Wade said.

The interviews were conducted at Isleworth, the gated community in Windermere, Fla., where Woods lives. He asked, however, that the interview not be aired until the Transitions Chamjpionship being played in Palm Harbor, Fla., finished.

Woods provided few details about the crash, his marriage or much of his private life.

"A lot has transpired in my life. A lot of ugly things have happened. ... I've done some pretty bad things in my life," Woods told ESPN.

When Rinaldi asked him why he got married to his wife Elin, Woods replied: "Why? Because I loved her. I loved Elin with everything I have. And that's something that makes me feel even worse, that I did this to someone I loved that much."

When she met with Woods for the interview, Tilghman noticed that Woods was wearing a bracelet, and so she asked him about it. Woods replied, "It's Buddhist, it's for protection and strength and I certainly need that."

Woods said he planned to wear it the rest of his life.